Start Early, Read Often: Why Reading to Your Child is a Must-Do!

As a dad, there are few things more rewarding than spending quality time with your child. One activity that can be particularly beneficial for both you and your child is reading together. From as early as possible, reading to your child can have a significant impact on their future prospects, help to develop their imagination and creativity, and even improve their ability to concentrate. In this blog post, we'll explore why reading to your child is so important and offer some tips for making it a fun and enjoyable experience for both of you.

Bonding with Your Child
Reading with your child can be an incredibly bonding experience. It provides a chance for you to cuddle up together and share a special moment. Even for young infants who may not understand the words, the sound of your voice can be soothing and comforting. As your child grows, reading can become a routine that you both look forward to, creating a sense of stability and security in their lives.

Developing Their Imagination
Reading is a fantastic way to help develop your child's imagination and creativity. When you read a story to your child, you're exposing them to new ideas, worlds, and characters. This helps to stimulate their imagination and encourages them to think beyond their immediate environment. Reading can also help to improve your child's vocabulary, which will allow them to express themselves more clearly and confidently.

Improving Their Ability to Concentrate
In today's fast-paced world, it can be difficult for children to focus on one thing for an extended period. However, reading can help to improve your child's ability to concentrate. When you read to your child, you're teaching them to sit still and pay attention. As they grow, this skill will become increasingly important, both in school and in their personal lives.

Future Prospects
Finally, reading to your child from an early age can have a significant impact on their future prospects. Children who are exposed to reading from a young age are more likely to develop a love of books and a thirst for knowledge. This can help to set them up for success in school and beyond, as they'll be more motivated to learn and explore the world around them.

Tips for Reading with Your Child
So, now that we've established the importance of reading with your child, how can you make it a fun and enjoyable experience for both of you? Here are some tips to get you started:

1) Choose age-appropriate books: Make sure the books you choose are suitable for your child's age and interests. Young children may enjoy bright, colorful picture books, while older children may prefer chapter books with more complex storylines.

2) Make it interactive: Ask your child questions about the story, encourage them to make predictions about what might happen next, and point out interesting details in the illustrations.

3) Be animated: Use different voices and expressions when reading the characters' dialogue. This will help to bring the story to life and keep your child engaged.

4) Make it a routine: Set aside a regular time for reading each day. This will help to establish reading as a fun and enjoyable part of your child's routine.

Stories picked by Charlie (Aged 3)
1) Star Wars A Jedi You Will Be by Preeti Chhibber - A fun and engaging book that teaches children about the ways of the Force and the path to becoming a Jedi.

2) ABC Animal Rhymes for You and Me by Giles Andreae - Explore the animal alphabet from angel fish to zebras in this colourful read-aloud picture book! Little ones will love looking at the colourful pictures and joining in with all the rhymes, as they discover all sorts of amazing animals in this fun-packed ABC book. Including crocodiles, elephants, hippos, lions, monkeys and more! The perfect way to introduce the alphabet and animals.

3) Counting Creatures by Julia Donaldson - A beautifully illustrated book that teaches children to count while introducing them to a variety of fascinating animals from around the world.

4) Zog and the Flying Doctors by Julia Donaldson - A tale of a friendly dragon who teams up with his companions, Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout, to assist animals in need of care and attention.

5) The Wolf's Story: What Really Happened to Little Red Riding Hood by Toby Forward - a clever retelling of the classic fairytale from the perspective of the misunderstood wolf, providing a fresh and insightful take on the traditional story.

Stories picked by Dad
1) The Runaway Pea by Kjartan Poskitt - A hilarious and fast-paced picture book about a mischievous pea who escapes from the dinner plate and sets off on a wild adventure, much to the dismay of his vegetable companions.

2) The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr - Children's classic that tells the story of a friendly tiger who visits a young girl and her mother, and their unexpected but delightful tea-time adventure together.

3) Paddington Goes for Gold by Michael Bond - Paddington participates in a series of wacky and entertaining sports events, bringing his unique charm and humor to the competition.

4) Monkey Puzzle by Julia Donaldson - A story about a lost monkey who teams up with a butterfly to find his way back to his family, teaching young readers about the importance of perseverance and friendship.

5) The Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson - An adventure story about a greedy rat who steals food from other animals, until his love for sweet treats leads him into a surprising and amusing predicament.

In a nutshell, reading to your child from a young age is a big deal. It's a chance to bond, boost their creativity, concentration skills and set them up for success in life. So, pick a cozy spot, grab a book, and let the adventures begin! And don't forget to keep it lively by asking questions, using different voices, and making it a regular part of your routine.